Cameron Bailey publicly apologized for any hurt, frustration, or disappointment caused by the festival's communication regarding a documentary about the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. The documentary, The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue by Barry Avrich, was originally invited to showcase a painful but important story and portrays retired general Noam Tibon's attempt to save his family. Festival organizers initially pulled the film citing security concerns and legal clearance issues. The pull drew criticism from several groups and officials. TIFF stated it is working with the filmmakers to meet screening requirements and subsequently reinvited the film.
"I want to apologize for any hurt, frustration, or disappointment that our communication about the film has caused, and for any mischaracterizations that have taken root. We're working now and we will be for a while to clarify things and to repair relationships," Bailey said, speaking at a pre-festival event. Bailey had apologized in a previous statement, but this was his first public appearance since the disinvitation made headlines last week.
"Organizers initially invited the film titled The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue by Canadian director Barry Avrich to the festival in order to showcase a 'painful but an important' story, Bailey said. The CEO added that's something TIFF is still committed to. The film retells the events of Oct. 7 in Israel through the perspective of a retired army general, Noam Tibon, as he tried to save his son and his family from Hamas' attack."
"Festival organizers first pulled the film last week. Deadline, first to report the news, said the decision was made due to security concerns and issues with the 'legal clearance of all footage.' The decision quickly drew criticism from a number of groups and officials, including the Creative Community for Peace, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa'ar, and a number of entertainment leaders."
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